When families split, it doesn’t absolve the parents of responsibility. A child still needs love and care, so expectations have to be set. There are multiple ways to keep up with these obligations, even when a former spouse is derelict of their duties.

1. Communicate

Communication is one of the many things that creates a successful family situation. Family lawyers Sydney will always advise communication before taking any serious action for child support. Child support is especially sensitive to conflict from both sides. Even when there are multiple breakdowns with talking, sometimes that final sit down is the difference maker. The important part for both parents to remember is how it affects the children. When the focus is on the child, everything else becomes trivial.

2. Be Careful

When making a request, words matter. A normal conversation can quickly turn into an argument when the wrong tone is used. There are some words that push the wrong buttons when used in a child support conversation. Demands, insults and pettiness are things that will always put the other person on the defensive. Approach child support as a friendly reminder for the spouse that needs to do their part. Stay respectful, even when the other side is trying to push your buttons.

3. Get Everything in Writing

This is the most underutilized strategy for any child support case. Verbal agreements hold little power compared to written agreements. Even a text message has the ability to help in a child support case, as it shows intent. This is why #1 and #2 are an important part of strategy #3. When asking for support, think of it as open negotiations. Keep the other side talking, and make sure that their vocalized intent is written or recorded in a legal way.

All of this documentation will go a long way in granting you the child support needed. It may also help when the court needs to decide in favor of garnishing the wages of another parent. Failure to pay child support is a serious problem, but resolving it takes a lot of careful paperwork. You can help out both sides by coming prepared with any information that will aid in the speediness of the case.

4. Avoid Threats

Once a threat is used to get child support, you lose all leverage. A legal threat is having lawyers send the proper paperwork for a request of child support. This is expected after communication fails, but won’t look bad in front of a judge. An illegal threat could cost you the case, and in some instances, land you in jail for a few days. Tensions are always running high when children are involved, so emotional outburst are expected – to an extent. Never let your temper be the cause of losing out support for a child in need.

Take Control

It is important to take control of the situation before it gets out of hand. Child support is an obligation that should have very little wiggle room. Once you get that sorted, other family matters will have the chance to take priority.